The top priority for UNI Athletics has been and continues to be the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. While the decision by the MVC and MVFC to postpone fall sports was difficult, it was made with this top priority in mind. Unfortunately, the pandemic has a cost and it has created a revenue shortfall. This shortfall comes from NCAA distributions, the football away game guarantee, tickets and concession sales, and university support.
To address this shortfall, UNI Athletics reduced salaries, froze spending, cut operating budgets, and gave up contract incentives. These reductions were necessary and helped but a significant shortfall of at least $2.8 million remains.
For many in the UNI community, Panther Athletics are part of who we are. They have been a source of joy and inspiration and a foundation for friendship and camaraderie. When the shortfall was announced, many in the community asked what they could do to help. In response, we launched the UNI Fight Initiative and invited the UNI community to support the Panthers through his difficult time. To date, over $555,000 has been committed to this Initiative but more help is needed.
The UNI Community rallied to meet a $25,000 challenge in only three days.
Now, thanks to $10,000 gifts from Community Auto Group and Lanny Lang '80 the next $20,000 given to the initiative will be matched dollar for dollar.
You can learn more about the UNI Fight initiative at https://supportthepanthers.com or by contacting one of the project owners.